The iconic Straw Hat Jolly Roger from the beloved anime One Piece has once again unfurled as a powerful symbol of protest, this time across the Philippines. Following its remarkable appearances in Indonesia and Nepal, the skull-and-crossbones flag soared high at massive rallies on September 21st. This particular date holds profound historical significance for Filipinos, marking the anniversary of Ferdinand Marcos Sr.’s declaration of martial law in 1972.
In Manila, tens of thousands converged on Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA) for what organizers dubbed the ‘Trillion Peso March.’ Their unified voices denounced widespread corruption tied to crucial flood-control projects. Dressed in white and carrying ribbons, protesters braved heavy rain, chanting passionately for President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr.’s resignation. Amidst the national flags, a striking sight emerged: countless Straw Hat Pirate Jolly Rogers, an emblem of defiance that has spread from Indonesia to Nepal and now taken root in the Philippines.
While the primary demonstration largely maintained a peaceful demeanor, the atmosphere grew tense near the presidential palace. A separate, youth-led march erupted into chaos when a trailer truck was set alight, and masked individuals began throwing stones at police. In response, authorities deployed water cannons to disperse the agitated crowd.
Social media captured the scene, with one prominent post showing the One Piece flag boldly flying alongside the Palestinian flag, underscoring the protest’s diverse yet unified message against government corruption.
The choice of September 21st for the protests was deeply intentional. This date is etched in Philippine history as the beginning of Marcos Sr.’s oppressive authoritarian regime, an era marked by widespread arrests, torture, and the deaths of thousands before his eventual overthrow in the 1986 People Power Revolution. By selecting this anniversary, protest leaders aimed to draw sharp parallels to what they perceive as remnants of that authoritarian past in current governance.
The recurrent appearance of the Straw Hat flag highlights a significant generational trend sweeping across Asia. Young people, particularly Gen Z, are increasingly embracing One Piece‘s imagery as a potent, easily recognizable symbol of rebellion and solidarity. In Indonesia, it galvanized youth against elite privileges and controversial military rule changes. In Nepal, it rallied protestors fed up with corruption, the ostentatious wealth of political dynasties, and social media bans, playing a role in the eventual downfall of a government.
Back in Manila’s Luneta Park, vendors capitalized on the moment, selling straw hats in homage to Monkey D. Luffy, One Piece‘s indomitable protagonist. ‘We relate to him because he keeps fighting for what’s right, even when the odds are against him,’ explained Nico, a student protester, perfectly encapsulating the sentiment driving many.
Indeed, the One Piece pirate flag has transcended its anime origins to become a truly global icon of dissent. It has even been spotted in France, waved at rallies protesting budget cuts proposed by President Emmanuel Macron. Organizers emphasize that this symbol resonates deeply with younger generations who grew up with One Piece, viewing it as a powerful, unifying call for ‘radical change’ across the world.